Access to an area of the coast used as an illegal dump site is to be restricted for another six months.

The Environment Agency obtained a court order allowing it to continue blocking off Eastchurch Gap on Sheppey while a criminal investigation takes place into activities there.

Anyone entering the area, off Third Avenue, without reasonable excuse or written permission will be committing a criminal offence, as will anyone who tampers with the locked gate or the restriction order attached to it.

Many residents and former MP Gordon Henderson voiced their concerns after shredded household and builders’ waste was dumped there.

Following a three-year fight, access to the land was restricted in June last year.

A warning notice was also displayed and concrete blocks were put up at the entrance.

Matt Higginson, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Kent, said: “Specialist officers regularly inspect the land at Eastchurch Gap, in order to disrupt the illegal dumping of waste.

“Our priority is protecting the Eastchurch community and environment.

“The restriction order was originally secured following local people’s concerns and the environmental impact of the tipping of waste at the site, which we share.

“Our criminal investigation into a number of illegal waste sites in Kent, including Eastchurch Gap, continues.”

Magistrates first granted the Environment Agency a six-month restriction order closing the site in June 2023.

This was renewed last Christmas and again in June.

The current order, which was signed at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 29, now keeps the site closed until June next year.

Kent County Councillor for Sheppey, Mike Whiting (Ind), told KentOnline he was “very pleased” with the extension.

He added: “Illegal tipping and the damage it does to our coastline cannot be tolerated.

“It is good to see the agency using the law to protect our environment and the area of special scientific interest.

“I hope that this will act as a deterrent to anyone else thinking of despoiling the Island by tipping waste illegally.”

Magistrates also approved a six-month extension to a similar order for Hoads Wood near Ashford – restricting unofficial access to two acres of woodland until next summer.

It was a notorious fly-tipping spot for years and wildlife presenter Chris Packham campaigned for it to be cleaned up.

A specialist company was recently appointed to clear 30,000 tonnes of waste, with some of the rubbish piled 12ft high.

The crooks “took advantage” of the public by posing as legitimate waste collectors and then dumped it.